| Topic Name: |
Tier 1 Schools That Accept Higher of 2 LSATs |
| Message Name: |
arguments ... |
| Date Posted: |
10/31/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I read that you kicked ass on the test....any advice to someone who is having trouble with the argument section..
Thanks
Tdog |
| Message: |
Well, it was more a case of not getting my ass kicked than the other way around (nerves really had the better of me on game day), but yeah, i was very pleasantly surprised with the result.
As for arguments, I don't know that my advice would be too much different than others. I didn't take a formal course, and don't have the science and research to support my approach. For what it's worth this is my way:
I quickly glance at the passage just to get a sense of what it is and where it's coming from, then I go to the question. From taking a lot of prep tests, I recognized there's about 7-9 question types, and I developed a symbol for each one -- for example an =,+,-,* -- that makes instant sense to me. Marking that in the test booklet wouldn't seem necessary, but under time pressure somehow that helps center my mind.
Then I go back to the passage for one careful reading, next crossing out the 2-3 choices I know can't be right (again physically doing that helps me). From the remaining choices zero in on one that most "goes to the argument." Meaning, the one that uses some of the same key words, most directly pertains to the question, or fills in a "gap."
Of course reading questions carefully -- and repeating to yourself cases where NOT or EXCEPT is at hand -- and maintaining a brisk pace through the end is key. Something I figured out close to the test was that stalling and pondering over a single difficult question is the worst thing you can do. Overcome that temptation and keep plowing ahead.
Then, once the whole section is done, which I can usually do in less than 30 minutes, return to the tough ones and rethink them (making a small mark on your answer sheet to tag tough questions the first time around can save precious seconds later). Yes, in general your first guess is probably the most reliable one, but by seeing questions again, I could usually correct 1-2 otherwise wrong answers -- translating to a 2-5 point boost in test score.
The sports analogy I used to visualize for the LSAT was the 100-yard dash, but the more accurate one I came up with later was archery. You've got 101 arrows to fire off, and it's all about hitting as many bull's eyes as possible. A single great shot doesn't count for any more points than an easy one. Give yourself enough time to aim and fire all 101 bolts, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied with the test score.
My secrets have all been spilled. Good luck.
|
|
